Residents to vote on hospital district

The petition to create a hospital district in Somervell County was validated by county commissioners after a public hearing Monday.

No comments or questions were asked by the public during the hearing, which was closed at 9:35 a.m.

“The petition has been found to be proper and valid,” said County Judge Walter Maynard during a special meeting immediately after the hearing.

Commissioner Mike Ford made a motion to accept the petition and James Barnard seconded. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote.

Commissioners also approved a separate motion, ordering an election confirming the creation of the Somervell County Hospital District and to authorize an ad valorem tax not to exceed 10 cents per $100 in property value.

A special election will be held Feb. 14, allowing voters to decide if the district will manifest or not. If the petition is successful, then five board members will be appointed until five more can be elected at large in May.

The three board members with the most votes will serve two-year terms and the other two seats will serve a one-year term.